# Why “Tips and Tricks” Are Failing Fundraisers Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers.md Podcast: [The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105) Published: 2025-09-16T14:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://the-intentional-fundraiser.captivate.fm/episode/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/07598ada-696b-4d9f-a21e-50b9f7fe9e54.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105/episodes/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers Duration seconds: 859 ## Resource This one has been simmering inside me for months. It’s about the  language  we use in the nonprofit sector—and why we need to be more mindful of it. Specifically, I’m making a plea to eliminate phrases like “tips and tricks” when we talk about engaging donors. Because giving is not a “trick.” Donors are not targets. And we are not magicians trying to perform sleight of hand to win gifts. When we say things like “tips and tricks” or “low-hanging fruit” in fundraising, we might think we’re being harmless, maybe even clever. But in reality, we’re reinforcing a belief system that positions fundraising as transactional, manipulative, or worse, dishonest. That’s why in this episode, I take us on a journey into the power of language in fundraising, how it shapes donor relationships, and how it shapes  us . Listen in and let’s transform our language (and our sector!) together. Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode . Review my show: Please review my show . After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies   Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter. ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105/episodes/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast-4795105/why-tips-and-tricks-are-failing-fundraisers.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.